C H A P T E R  4

Connecting Data Hosts to the 2510 Array

This chapter describes cabling data hosts to the Sun StorageTek 2510 Array using iSCSI. It contains the following sections:


Connecting Data Hosts to the 2510 Array

The Sun StorageTek 2510 Array is an Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) system that communicates with hosts over an Ethernet data path.

The hosts that initiate data need a NIC as noted in iSCSI Concepts.

For initial iSCSI configuration information, go to Appendix C.



Note - For maximum hardware redundancy, each host must have a minimum of two Ethernet NICs for dual paths. Dual-port NICs give you two paths into the storage array, but do not ensure redundancy if the NIC fails. Single controller and single path configurations are supported, but are not recommended.


As shown in FIGURE 4-1, each 2510 controller has two Ethernet host ports for data path transmission with the hosts.


FIGURE 4-1 Ethernet Host Ports on the Controllers

Figure showing the Ethernet host ports on the controllers.

The most common topologies to connect from the host to the controllers are:

Alternate topologies such as single-controller configurations and mixed configurations are described in Appendix D.


FIGURE 4-2 Direct Topology - Two Hosts Connected to Each Controller

Figure showing a direct topology - two hosts connected to each controller.

Hosts

  1. NIC 1
  2. NIC 2
  3. Host Port 1
  4. Host Port 2
  5. Controller A
  6. Controller B

FIGURE 4-3 Network Topology - Two Hosts Connected to the Controllers Through a Switch

Figure showing a network topology - two hosts connected to the controllers through a switch.

Hosts

  1. NIC 1
  2. NIC 2
  3. Host Port 1
  4. Host Port 2
  5. Controller A
  6. Controller B

To Connect Host Cables

1. Insert one end of the Ethernet cable into a host port on the controller.

2. If direct topology, insert the other end of the Ethernet cable into the port on the NIC on the data host.

3. If network topology, insert the other end of the Ethernet cable into a switch port.

a. Connect a second cable from the switch to the port on the NIC.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 for each host-to-controller connection.

Relocation Cautions

Use the following guidelines when relocating trays or drives from one storage array to another.



caution icon Caution - Potential data loss - Moving a storage array or array components that are configured as part of a volume group can result in data loss. To prevent data loss, always consult a Customer Support representative before relocating configured drives, controller trays, or drive expansion trays.


Do not move controller trays or drive expansion trays that are part of a volume group configuration. If you must move array components, contact a Customer Support representative for procedures. A Customer Support representative might direct you to complete several tasks prior to undertaking the relocation. These tasks might include:


Next Steps

After You Connect The Management And Data Hosts, You Can Power On The Trays, As Described In Chapter 7.